Are Engineer Boots Passable?

Q: here is a question for all of the experienced faire folk. My Minnetoka moccosin boots finally gave out after attending faire for about 5 years (may they rest in peace in the faire outfit closet) and I do not have the funds for the well crafted but expensive moccosin boots that I have seen at faire. Someone told me that engineer boots can work well as faire boots. I have looked at my local Vanderbilts and they have many styles for a decent price. Anyone out there go with the engineer boot option?

A: -Are you paying to get in? Yes? Then wear whatever boots YOU like and which make YOU feel comfortable. *grin* If you were on cast, I would recommend you talk to your entertainment director to see what is passable or not for the particular faire you work. -Before I got the BaldMt boots, I normally wore engineer boots-- ie plain black boots, with an instep strap and a strap at the top of the boot leg. Given my foot size differences, I need either lace up shoes or something like these--can tighten each foot differently. Mine were the absolutely plain 11 inch high ones. I have been mostly a gamer, and found the boots the best for pushmonkey work--hold up better than Minnetonka, and frankly, give more support than the BaldMt. For one whole season at Bristol, I and another pushmonkey wore them--never had any complaints at all. I have a few pix, and from a reasonable distance, they look as if they might be riding boots with spurs (that instep strap). Keep in mind that gamers get cut some slack in costume regs, especially pushmonkeys (safety issues in part). But, never had any comments from the costume police at Bristol about them. As patron, I'd say they are a good idea; as worker, you'd still want to

check them out. I know some gamers and crafters who get the steel toe version, which is useful in some occupations. Warning--break them in *well*. Since mine were cowhide, I used the old military version--soaking wet by walking in a stream, and then wear until they dry completely; clean regularly. And, I used "snopruf" for waterproofing. Now the boots are over 20 years old, and still good. Warning #2: sometimes the heels on this style are too high in the front of the heel--you can tell because your instep arch will start hurting, much like a heel spur. If this happens, get to a good shoemaker, and have him/her cut down the front of the heel, sa 1/8 to 1/4 inch.